Tag Archives: Live Streaming Service

In this day and age, TV viewers have a wide range of options when it comes to watching TV. It used to be that cable TV was the only game in town – thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Even when it comes to LIVE television, there are now many options. One great choice is DIRECTV NOW, the popular online streaming service for cord-cutters.

But what is DIRECTV NOW, and how does it differ from cable or satellite? Find out in our full DIRECTV NOW review!

What is DIRECTV NOW?

DIRECTV NOW is an online streaming service. It works over the internet, and does not require a cable or satellite TV subscription. All you need is a DIRECTV NOW subscription (as low as $40/mo), a compatible device and an internet connection. Here’s the DIRECTV NOW review at a glance:

$40/mo for the base package

No contract or commitment

Get 65-125+ channels to watch live

Enjoy watching LIVE TV on all your devices

Works on computers, smartphones, streaming players like Roku, and more

Enjoy channels like FOX News, CNN, AMC, TNT, ESPN, FS1 and many more

You get a cloud DVR to record shows for later viewing

Basically, this service aims to be a complete alternative to cable TV. In many ways, it offers much of the same features. You’ll get a package of 60+ channels to watch live, and if you spring for a larger package you could get up to 125+ networks! All of these channels can be watched live as they air, with select content also available on-demand.

If it’s so similar to cable, why bother making the switch? Two words: price and flexibility.

On price, DIRECTV NOW starts at roughly 40% of the cost of the average cable TV package. The average cable bill now runs $107 a month, while DIRECTV NOW costs $40 a month. That’s a potential savings of over 60%!

On flexibility, DIRECTV NOW also shines. While cable providers lock you into 12-month contracts, DIRECTV NOW is contract-free. You can cancel the service at any time, without penalty.

It’s also the second most-popular live streaming service, with almost 2 million subscribers. It’s second only to Sling TV, a similar service that’s currently the #1 most popular option.

In a single sentence, what is DIRECTV NOW? It’s a contract-free, flexible and affordable cable TV alternative that gives you up to 125+ channels to watch live over the internet!

How does DIRECTV NOW work, though? Keep reading for more…

How DIRECTV NOW Works

DIRECTV NOW is an online service. This means it works over the internet, so you will definitely need a high-speed internet connection in order to use it. Experts recommend that you have at least 5-8mbps internet speeds in order to stream in HD. Beyond that, all you need is a device to use. Here are the basics of how DIRECTV NOW works:

Those are the basics of how DIRECTV NOW works! Once you’re signed up and set up on your devices, the service functions similarly to cable. You can browse channels in a grid pattern (similar to cable), you can save favorite channels, and you can cruise through an on-demand selection. There’s also a DVR feature built-in to record TV (you don’t need a physical DVR).

So, we’ve covered the basics – what is DIRECTV NOW offering in terms of the nitty-gritty technical features?

DIRECTV NOW Technical Features

What is DIRECTV NOW bringing to the table when it comes to technical features?

Streaming quality – full HD (1080p). No 4K content currently, but there are plans to add in the future.

Frames per second – most channels are available at 60 frames per second. However, some devices may stream at 30FPS.

DVR recording – cloud DVR is included at no cost. Record, fast forward and rewind your shows. Comes with 20 hours of storage, but recordings expire after 30 days.

Simultaneous streaming – you can watch 2 different channels on 2 separate devices at the same time. Add a third stream for $5/mo extra.

DIRECTV NOW Channel Lineup

The DIRECTV NOW channel list is quite impressive, to say the least. With up to 125+ networks to enjoy, there is plenty to watch! The smallest base package offers 65+ channels, which is significantly more than most other streaming services. Find details on DIRECTV NOW channels in each package right here:

You can also add premium channels, including HBO, Starz, Showtime and Cinemax, for an extra fee ($5-$8 per month.

As you can see, the DIRECTV NOW channel list really depends on which package you choose – and how much you’re willing to pay. Overall, though, the service has one of the more impressive lineups in the industry.

DIRECTV NOW Cost

DIRECTV NOW costs between $40 and $75 per month, depending on the package you choose. Here’s the scoop on DIRECTV NOW prices (more details in the section above):

“Live a Little” (base package) – $40/mo for 65+ channels

“Just Right” – $55/mo for 85+ channels

“Go Big” – $65/mo for 105+ channels

“Gotta Have It” – $75/mo for 125+ channels

“Todo Y Mas” (includes Spanish channels) – $45/mo for 90+ channels

There are also select international packages, starting from $20/mo.

In addition to these base packages, there are premium channels available for an additional fee. These can be added to any package:

HBO for $5/mo

Cinemax for $5/mo

Showtime for $8/mo

Starz for $8/mo

So, to sum up – DIRECTV NOW can cost as little as $40 a month for a basic package. If you choose a larger package and get add-ons, you can easily get close to $100 per month. So, the DIRECTV NOW price really depends on your preferences and budget!

DIRECTV NOW Pros & Cons

Is DIRECTV NOW worth it? What do DIRECTV NOW reviews from other customers say? Here’s a quick pros-and-cons breakdown:

A few channels are included in the base package but not in the larger packs – confusing

It can lag/glitch out, at times

DIRECTV NOW reviews from other experts and customers are overall positive. Some older reviews of DIRECTV NOW mention significant glitches/errors, but most of these appear to have been resolved. Do keep in mind that since these services evolve so quickly, it’s important to find up-to-date reviews and information.

Is DIRECTV NOW Worth It?

What’s the bottom line? Is DIRECTV NOW worth trying? What is DIRECTV NOW offering to make it worthwhile?

Overall, this is a great service. It’s got one of the largest channel selections available without cable (if you’re willing to pay for it). The base package may be sufficient for many people, and is priced very fairly at $40/mo. The service also has good coverage of local channels and local sports. And it works on most devices!

There aren’t any huge downsides to be aware of – although we have noticed error messages/glitches on some devices from time to time.

Ultimately, this service is absolutely worth trying out. Whether it’s worth keeping long-term depends on how you like it, and if it serves the channels you crave!

The good news is that DIRECTV NOW offers a free trial for new members. You can test it out for free for 7 days to see if it’s for you. If not, cancel with no penalty! And even if you decide to keep it, you’ll always pay month-to-month, so you don’t have to commit to a long-term contract.

Thanks for reading our DIRECTV NOW review – let us know if you have any questions or comments!

Today, fans have more opportunities than ever to keep up with their favorite shows, news anchors and sports teams. What used to be available solely through pricey cable contracts is now available through more affordable online services! But with so many out there, how does one choose?

You may be considering Hulu with Live TV, a relative newcomer to the industry. But what is Hulu with Live TV, and how can it help you replace cable? Find out more in our Hulu with Live TV review.

What is Hulu with Live TV?

Hulu with Live TV is a streaming service that works over the internet. For a low monthly fee ($40/mo), you can sign up and get immediate access to live TV from many of the most popular TV channels. You just need a Hulu subscription, a compatible device, and a reliable internet connection.

Here’s the Hulu with Live TV review at a glance:

$40 per month

No contract or commitment required

Enjoy live streaming of 50+ channels

Get ESPN, FOX News, CNN, TNT, and much more

Use on all your devices – smartphones, Roku, Apple TV, computers and more!

Record live TV using built-in cloud DVR

Get free access to the Hulu on-demand library of shows and movies

Cancel at any time – no contract!

Hulu with Live TV is a newer offering from Hulu, which originally only offered on-demand content. Now they have both live TV and on-demand offerings. The Live version is fairly new, but it’s already exceeded 1 million subscribers and is growing very rapidly.

Essentially, this service is a cable TV alternative that gives you a similar experience at a fraction of the price. You will get a package of 50+ channels, including many of the most popular networks, all of which you can watch live. And you’ll get an extensive on-demand library (much larger than the standard on-demand library from cable providers)!

But if Hulu Live TV is so similar to cable, why both making the switch? Mainly price and flexibility.

The flexibility angle is also fairly obvious. The majority of cable and satellite providers require at least a 12-month contract, with 24-months being more common. On the other hand, Hulu with Live TV requires a 1-month commitment. You just pay month-to-month, and are free to cancel at any time. And, in fact, since Hulu offers a free 7-day trial, you can actually try the service out with no commitment at all!

So, to sum up – what is Hulu with Live TV? It’s a flexible, affordable and easy way to watch LIVE TV without a cable subscription!

How does Hulu Live TV work, though?

How Hulu with Live TV Works

Hulu with Live TV is an online service. This means you need a solid internet connection in order to use it. Experts recommend that you have internet speeds of at least 5 to 8 mbps in order to stream TV in HD picture quality. For reference, the average speed in the US is 18.7mbps, so most people already have fast enough internet.

Beyond internet, all you need is a compatible device to use. Here are the basics of how Hulu Live TV works:

Next, sign into your account on all your other device (Roku, smartphone, etc.)

Enjoy the ability to stream live TV on all your devices

Pay your bill month-to-month, without a contract

Enjoy the freedom to cancel your service at any time, without a penalty

That’s the basic rundown of how this service functions. You’ll find that once you have things set up, the service functions in a similar manner to cable. You can cruise through channels in a grid-like pattern, search for specific channels and shows, and browse the on-demand library. You’ll also get a handy DVR function for recording TV that’s built into the service, and does not require a separate device.

Those are the basics – but what is Hulu with Live TV offering in terms of technical features?

Hulu with Live TV Technical Features

What is Hulu Live TV bringing to the table in terms of specific features?

Streaming quality – full HD (1080p). There is no 4K content currently, but Hulu has plans to add it in the future.

Frames per second – most channels are covered at 60 frames per second, except a handful of networks including CBS affiliates, which are 30fps. Hulu has plans to upgrade all channels to 60fps soon.

Hulu Live TV reviews from other experts are largely positive, although they can quickly become outdated due to how fast these services tend to evolve. Make sure you’re reading up-to-date Hulu reviews like this one!

Is Hulu with Live TV Worth It?

In short, is Hulu TV worth trying out? Absolutely!

Currently, it’s one of the most popular live streaming options, and one of our favorites. It’s got a clean, simple functionality, a great channel lineup, and a low price.

It works on most devices, and offers a lot of perks that are difficult to find elsewhere. Access to the Hulu on-demand library is a HUGE selling point, as well.